Support your spring sports

Wednesday, February 6, 2008Josh Mills

Well, I'm not a New York Giants fan, but I sure did jump on the bandwagon Sunday night as they stuck it to the most "perfect" team in the NFL. Eli Manning took control of the offense, and the defense was absolutely superb as they rocked Tom Brady's noggin all over the turf in Glendale. Anti-Boston fans unite, the unbeaten has fallen.

Now, down to the real business of the day. Since Valentine's Day is coming up, I've got t

o give some love to the Bulldog Barker staff for their article ran in last week's edition.

On the second page, the spring sports editorial bit struck a chord with me, and I've got to admit, they were right on the money.

I'd be honored to give credit to whomever wrote the piece, but with no name penned to the article, I guess I'll praise the whole staff.

Some background on the editorial, in case you weren't blessed to read it, was over spring sports at SHS not getting the credit they deserve.

I, for one, as a former spring athlete and graduate at "dear old Sikeston" cannot agree more. I remember sitting through the countless pep assemblies for fall and winter sports, thinking, "Where's the love?"

The sad part about it was that we were arguably the best team in school sports that year, and we didn't get the recognition that a lot of people thought we deserved. I'm not talking our team up, (even though we finished 2nd in Class 3 baseball), but the one team that went to state was ours. (We finished 22-5--lil' love for my teammates) We also never had our names announced in front of classmates, nor did we get to tackle a fake Notre Dame Bulldog or Cape Central Tiger in an assembly.

However, we did do so on the field with victories, and I can live with that.

The article suggests that Red Peppers may end up at spring events this season, and as a Sikeston graduate, applause would come from my corner. Filling the stands at any sporting event not only shows school spirit, but also boosts the esteem of all the players on the field.

I remember it like it was yesterday, we cruised through districts, and hosted the next two MSHSAA playoff games at home, with huge crowds showing up for the victories over Festus and then Sullivan. It was almost like the Super Tuesday primary, with all of the people shaking hands, smiling and kissing babies.

It would've been even greater if all of those fans would have been at the other 19 wins we accumulated prior to those playoff games. But, while we're on topic, thanks for coming to the big ones. You sent us to Columbia proudly, and a lot of you followed us to the big dance.

Which brings me to my point. The Bulldog spring athletes would no doubt welcome in the attention that a spring assembly or cheering section would bring. Give the players the recognition that they've earned--a varsity spot, playing for the red and black. They've worked hard to earn their letters too, as well as earning their battles on the field, court, track or fairways.

To top it all off, let's welcome out THE voice of the Sikeston Bulldogs, Bob Depro to announce the starters at each ballgame. In my opinion, that'd be like hearing Jack Buck announce a Bulldog baseball game.

For now, we'll be blessed with Bobby D's voice at the Bulldog basketball games, as they prepare for a district title run. And as for the basketball games, it'd be a great warm-up for spring sports, so get out there and show your school spirit. These kids feed off of it, and they're pretty good too. Spring's coming, but until then, clear your throat and cheer, and as always stay tuned to the Standard Democrat for the latest and greatest in local sports.